Maffei withholding judgment on Bergdahl prisoner swap

Rep. Dan Maffei is taking a wait-and-see approach on his opinion over the release of U.S. Army soldier Bowe Bergdahl from captivity in Afghanistan.

Bergdahl's freedom was negotiated in exchange for five suspected terrorists in American custody. It's drawn sharp criticism from members of Congress, particularly over their lack of prior knowledge. There are also questions over the circumstances of Bergdahl's capture and nearly five year detainment.

"I certainly do have concerns on the way this was done," Maffei, D-Syracuse, said while at the Onondaga War Memorial Wednesday for a different event.

Maffei says the two conflicting codes of 'leave no soldier behind' and 'don't negotiate with terrorists' are both important.

"I don't think you can give either one up," he said. "And that's one reason why I'm so interested in hearing the details and not prejudging before I understand."

Congress should have been notified by the White House in some capacity, Maffei said.

Maffei sits on the House armed services committee. The committee will hold a hearing next week on the release of Bergdahl.